Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hampton, VA: $109,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Hampton, VA earns a median $109,681/year (≈ $52.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $106,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hampton, Virginia, nuclear medicine technologists can expect a median annual salary of $109,681 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national figure of $106,398. The salary range for local technologists varies significantly, from $85,626 at the 10th percentile to $148,966 at the 90th percentile. These projected estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect the unique job market dynamics in the area. With a robust presence of both hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, the structural choice of these facilities influences compensation, allowing technologists to leverage their skills amidst growing demand for advanced imaging services.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,626 | $41.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,214 | $45.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,681 | $52.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,210 | $63.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,966 | $71.61 |
Median Salary Position
3.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,340 (2026 est.). At $109,681, the local median is 3.09% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Hampton median: $109,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $109,791 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +3.09% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hampton, VA earn a median of $109,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $109,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,280 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,355
2025 BLS Actual
$104,498
2026 Current Est.
$109,681
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,046 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $80,355 (2019) to $104,498 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,766 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,626 – $94,214 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,214 – $109,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,681 – $131,210 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,210 – $148,966 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Hampton
The local job market for nuclear medicine technologists in Hampton is supported by a workforce of 24 professionals, which suggests solid demand within this region. With a cost-of-living index at 103.2, slightly above the national average, it's crucial for technologists to consider how these figures impact their take-home pay. Those employed at hospital nuclear medicine departments generally see higher compensation compared to outpatient centers, yet specialized skills—particularly in PET/CT and theranostics—can command a significant premium. Experience with radiopharmaceuticals and on-call coverage further contributes to pay discrepancies, making it essential for technologists to pursue certifications from institutions such as the NMTCB, ARRT(N), or consider cross-training in CT to optimize their earnings. Staying current with the advancements in the nuclear medicine field will also be key to maximizing job opportunities in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape in Hampton, VA.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Hampton?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $104,498 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Hampton metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov